NEXUS

Nexus is probably the best and most progressive album by Argent. Still, it is far from a masterpiece. The progressive keyboard music of Rod Argent - much in the vein of Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman - and the more straightforward rock 'n' roll of Russ Ballard alternate, but almost never truly integrate. Had they been able to write together I suspect that they could have made something truly interesting. There is nothing here of low quality, not at all. But I also miss something that is truly excellent.

Rod is allowed to start the album with three instrumental keyboard numbers giving the impression that this is going to be an all instrumental album. Then the soft ballad Love comes in followed by a number of vocal tracks. Maybe the album could have been better if they had put the songs in different running order?

The songs are melodic and there is nothing to complain about, really. Still, this album doesn't quite do it for me. It is good, but not great. There are many other bands in progressive rock that you would need to check out before turning to Argent. But if you want to explore this band, Nexus is the best place to start.

Good, but non-essential.